Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins passed away at 90 y.o.

Apollo 11 astronaut, Michael Collins passed away Wednesday at the age of 90 after a battle with cancer.

He was born in Rome on October 31, 1930. He attended the United States Military Academy and graduate in 1952. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1982.

Collins, Neil Armstrong, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. were the members of the Apollo 11 mission that landed the United State on the moon.

In a tweet, his family stated: “We regret to share that our beloved father and grandfather passed away today, after a valiant battle with cancer. He spent his final days peacefully, with his family by his side...”

“Today the nation lost a true pioneer and lifelong advocate for exploration in astronaut Michael Collins. As pilot of the Apollo 11 command module-- some called him ‘the loneliest man in history'-- while his colleagues walked on the Moon for the first time, he helped our nation achieve a defining milestone. He also distinguished himself in the Gemini Program and as an Air Force pilot,” NASA wrote in a press release.

The press release went on to say, “NASA mourns the loss of this accomplished pilot and astronaut, a friend of all who seeks to push the envelope of human potential. Whether its work was behind the scenes or on full view, his legacy will always be as one of the leaders who took America’s first steps into the cosmos. And his spirit will go with us as we venture toward farther horizons.”